The following letter was sent by (ISC)² CEO Clar Rosso to all (ISC)² members and associates, sharing insights into several developments at (ISC)² focused on addressing the workforce gap and creating cybersecurity career opportunities for more people worldwide.

Dear Members,

I hope you share my tremendous pride in our association as today we announce three significant milestones in our collective efforts to address the global workforce gap by making cybersecurity careers accessible to more people around the world.

First, our newest certification, (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity , is now operational. More than 1,500 individuals, who passed the exam during our pilot program, are now on their path to full certification and (ISC)² membership. Those earning the (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity certification demonstrate they have the foundational knowledge, skills and abilities to take on entry- and junior-level cybersecurity roles, enabling employers to more confidently build resilient teams across all experience levels. 

We also introduced (ISC)² Candidates for individuals considering a career in cybersecurity. Upon enrolling as an (ISC)² Candidate, participants receive career development advice, networking opportunities, tools, resources and continuous education as they work toward earning any (ISC)² certification including the new (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity. We will be their guide, partner and advocate every step of the way as they achieve their career goals.

Finally, we have pledged through (ISC)² One Million Certified in Cybersecurity to expand and diversify the cybersecurity workforce by providing free (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity education and exams to one million people worldwide. Enrollment for One Million Certified in Cybersecurity is now open. To qualify, individuals must enroll as an (ISC)² Candidate, which entitles them to all the career-building support outlined above, as well as free education and exam for (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity.

In addition to the One Million Certified in Cybersecurity open enrollment through (ISC)² Candidate, we will work closely with partner organizations to reach historically under-represented populations and encourage greater diversity and inclusion within the cybersecurity community. (ISC)² has pledged that 500,000 course enrollments and exams will be directed toward students of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), minority-serving institutions (MSIs), tribal organizations and women’s organizations worldwide.

How You Can Help

You know the value (ISC)² holds for a growing cybersecurity career. This is your opportunity to “throw down the ladder” and help the next generation of cybersecurity professionals get started. We ask you to encourage your junior associates, interns, new graduates, entry-level colleagues or anyone you know interested in a new cybersecurity career to consider (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity, (ISC)² Candidate or (ISC)² One Million Certified in Cybersecurity as a valuable step in their journey.

So many of you are working hard to mentor and encourage the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. These new achievements are yet another opportunity for you to give back and ensure we are building a brighter and more resilient future for the profession.

Thank you for your membership, and all you do every day to inspire a safe and secure cyber world.